Title: Another Inch

Rating: FRT

Pairing: Horatio/Calleigh

Spoilers: Nada

Feedback: Feedback like totally reeks of awesomeness dude!

Summary: Her fingers tauntingly brushed against the object that was just out of reach.

Disclaimer: Without Prejudice. The names of all characters contained here-in are the property of Jerry Bruckheimer. No infringements of these copyrights are intended, and are used here without permission.

Notes: Response to the first line/last line challenge.

Calleigh balanced herself on the chair, trying to reach the top shelf. She could feel the muscles in her back stretch as she strained to gain another inch. Her fingers tauntingly brushed against the object that was just out of reach. Calleigh felt the chair wobble beneath her as she moved closer to the chairs edge.

"Damnit!" She cursed suddenly as she felt herself lose her balance. She desperately flailed her arms, trying to regain her equilibrium, but it was to no avail. Calleigh soon found herself laid flat out on the break room floor, staring up at the cabinet that she was just rustling through. The object of her desire seemed to stare back at her mockingly.

"Calleigh? Cal? Are you okay?"

Calleigh growled softly before tearing her eyes away from the object to meet with a certain six foot, redheaded lieutenant's concerned blue eyes.

"I'm fine." She said shortly, still not moving from her position.

Horatio ran his eyes carefully over her body. His trained investigators eyes looking for any cuts, bumps, or bruises she may have acquired during her tumble. After assuring himself that no serious harm was done to Calleigh other than a bruised ego, he tore his eyes from hers, took in the room and put two and two together. He saw the toppled over chair, the open top cabinet, and the object that Calleigh was clearly trying to get at. Once again looking down at her, he calmly stepped over her prone form, and with ease plucked the object from the top shelf. A mint chocolate Hershey's bar. King size.

A smirk tugged at Horatio's lips as he raised his eyebrows questioningly.

Calleigh growled again as she hauled herself back to her feet with his help. "You put it there!" She accused as she grabbed the candy bar from his hands.

Horatio opened his mouth to reply, but was quickly cut off.

"Don't say a word! Just hand me the aspirin!"

Finis!

Completed: 11-14-04